July 1 - July 14
July in London is the time when all eyes turn to the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon. The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, The Championships, Wimbledon opens its doors to the best athletes on the planet.
History and Traditions of Wimbledon
Wimbledon 2024 will be the 137th tournament organized by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The first tournament was held in 1877 and attracted just 22 male participants after an announcement in The Field newspaper. About 200 spectators watched as Spencer Gore became the first Wimbledon champion.
By the turn of the century, the championship had gained popularity. In 1884, women's singles and men's doubles events were added, and Maud Watson became the first women's champion, defeating her sister Lillian.
Although much has changed since then, some traditions are carefully preserved to this day - players' white attire, the famous "hawk" umpires, sawdust-covered courts, and the iconic strawberries and cream dessert. Wimbledon is much more than a tournament; it is the quintessence of the British summer.
Wimbledon 2024 Schedule
In 2024, the Wimbledon Championships will take place from July 1 to July 14. The schedule includes five main events: men's and women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles. The main highlights will be the finals in the singles events – men's (July 14) and women's (July 13), where the best tennis players will compete for the prestigious title.
In addition to the main tournament, junior, veteran, and exhibition matches featuring tennis legends are planned. The seeds and schedule will be announced closer to July.
Besides tennis action, Wimbledon annually prepares an extensive entertainment program that leaves no guest indifferent.
How to Get to the Tournament
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is located at Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE. There are several ways to get there:
- Public transport: Take the underground or suburban train to Wimbledon (District line) or Southfields (District line) stations – the closest to the tournament, about a 15-minute walk. You can also take buses 93 (from Battersea) and 493 (from Tooting) to the "Wimbledon Park" stop.
- By car: From the main roads A3, A219. Parking in the vicinity is paid and limited. You can use paid Park & Ride (Park & Walk) car parks in Wimbledon and Southfields.
- Taxi or car rental: an option for maximum travel comfort. Traffic jams around Wimbledon are inevitable during the tournament!
Attractions:
- Wimbledon Common – green hills and traces of old mines.
- Wimbledon Museum – learn about the history of tennis.
- Wimbledon Cricket Club – a citadel of British sport.
- Windsor Park – a secluded corner of nature.
Don't forget to visit the local Wimbledon pubs and experience the area's atmosphere.
The Wimbledon tournament is a cosmic-scale event for tennis fans. Experiencing this legend and feeling the special atmosphere is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Detailed information on tickets, visiting, and other details can be found on the official website.